What started as a road trip to get some sun and shop places I don't normally visit turned into a discovery of not only a really cool town but also a great spot to grab a few beers and munch on some delicious food.
Crossing the Line and Overstepping Boundaries
The Tap Brewery is located in Haverhill, MA, which is conveniently located right over the border from Plaistow, NH. It has always been my experience of Haverhill as.just a town my family and I had to drive through on our way home from visiting relatives in Worcester, MA.
We'd get off the highway, head in the general direction of Plaistow, NH and we were there in no time. If you blink you'd miss some local favorite eateries of Haverhill, like Friendly's (Yes they still have one open here!). But today would be different, because I had a craving for some great beer and discovering a new brewery to boot. My friend Google showed a list of local breweries I hadn't heard of and The Tap Brewing company was at the top of the list.
The downtown area of Haverhill, MA, gives off an industrial vibe with all the brick buildings lining the street. Tip: Make sure your GPS is dialed in to the Brewery address because it is really easy to miss the hanging sign if your attention is on the busy street traffic and countless people spilling into the roadway doing a little jaywalking!.
Just on the backside of the brewery lies the Merrimack River as well as a railway bridge that hosts the Haverhill train line of the MBTA that leads right into North Station, Boston (Go Bruins!). North Station is the home to the TD Garden, which is also the home arena of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics.
While there is ample parking on the street, if you're like me and get a little anxious about trying to pull out of street parking and merging into traffic have no fear, there is a sizeable lot behind the brewery. It's a metered lot and there are plenty of machines available for payment. If you're tech-savy, the lot supports the use of the Passport app for payment (As of this writing, it's $1 per hour).
Once parked, be prepared to step inside and back in time. It's not too hard to imagine people in the 1920's coming in for a drink after a long hard workday. The brickwork and wood work so well together to give this brewery that old-time pub vibe. The staff are knowledgable and friendly and will chat when they can-which is rarely because they're always moving. Yeah it can get that busy, especially when good food and beer is involved.
What's On Tap?
The menu boasts quite a bit of your typical pub fare: Nachos, Burgers, Sandwiches and a few salads for good measure. These are all designed to pair well with the variety of beers on tap, but there are a few selections that will raise an eyebrow because it's not what you'd expect at your local brewpub. Food options such as "Smoked Lobster Gnocchi" and "Curry Chicken skewers" jump off the menu for just this reason.
I opted for something a bit more "safe" and traditional by most people, and if there ever was a food item that is most associated with beer it's the humble chicken wing. But this is The Tap Brewery, and if you wanted "ordinary" I'm sure their kitchen would oblige, but I wanted their take on it and I got it. Enter their "Merrimack Sauce".
Described as a mash-up of "BBQ and Buffalo chicken wing" sauces, this condiment gives the palate a little heat and a little smokiness that works well with the crunchy texture and saltiness of the chicken wing. Mental note to self: next time I visit I'm going to ask to have my chicken wings drenched in this sauce. It's just that good!
Of course a visit to the brewery wouldn't be complete without sampling the beer. On this gorgeous 65 degree weather day, the sun was shining out on the deck and I had to sample beers, especially with names like: Solar Fluxus, Three Graces, and Bitter Rivals which spoke to my hockey side.
Bitter Rivals is, according to their tap menu, is a:
West Coast IPA features heinous amounts of Columbus, Amarillo & Chinook hops. A heavy-handed focus on hop flavor, bitterness, and aroma produces an old school IPA. Named in honor of our boundless disdain for a particular hockey club in Montreal. Hops and hockey are both better when they're bitter! Go Bruins!
Go Bruins indeed, although as of this writing, we'll have to wait till next year. Whatever you have a thirst for, they've got a style to quench it and you'll definitely find a favorite nestled in there somewhere.
Brewery Thoughts & Impressions:
The Tap Brewing Company has been operating since 2003 and their longevity speaks to the fact that they're doing something right. I feel extremely grateful to have experienced the atmosphere, food and beer, and would recommend anyone that has a "thirst for adventure" to come and check out this venue.
On a hot day do yourself a favor and take advantage of the deck located in the rear of the brewery. With the occasional clack of the train and the quiet rumble of the river rolling along, it's easy to forget the hustle and bustle in the busy streets out front. Pair it with great tasting bites and tastier beers to wash it down, and you have the perfect recipe for good times and great memories.
So next time you're in the area of Haverhill, MA and don't know what to do for lunch or dinner, check out The Tap Brewing company and discover for yourself what's on tap.
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